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Friday, February 9, 2018

Andros MP and Native Helps his Own

President of The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), Dr. Robert W. Robertson (l), is pleased to meet Member of Parliament for North Andros, the Honourable Carlton Bowleg (r), who was about to make a personal donation to BTVI Andros. Shown in the centre is BTVI’s Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Leroy Sumner. Photo: Shantique Longley

Member of Parliament for North Andros, the Honourable Carlton Bowleg, recently made a personal $5,000 donation towards The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), in an effort to further programs offered in his constituency.

As of this semester, BTVI extended its reach into North Andros, offering certificates in Carpentry, Electrical Installation and Office Assistant, along with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Office Administration. BTVI is also offering two professional development courses in Sewing and Nail Technology.

Member of Parliament for North Andros, the Honourable Carlton Bowleg signs a $5,000 cheque to further programs being held at BTVI in North Andros. Photo: Shantique Longley

Presently, there are 98 students enrolled in classes being held at Huntley Christie High – formerly North Andros High - Mondays through Fridays, 6 pm to 10 pm and on Saturdays 9 am to 1 pm.

“I’m looking to build Andros. I always had a passion to give back to my community. Our students can stay at home and learn a trade. I take this personally as I am from Andros and I also walked those halls,” said the Mr. Bowleg.

“I am 100% committed to this. I will keep pushing and I want BTVI to keep believing. I always talk about BTVI because my best friend came to Nassau to BTVI, learned plumbing and he is my number one plumber for my construction company. I support technical education,” he added.

The idea of extending BTVI to Andros was hatched nearly two years ago, shortly after BTVI’s President, Dr. Robert W. Robertson came to The Bahamas. It has been headed over the past 18 months by Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mr. Leroy Sumner.

Dr. Robertson expressed delight over BTVI’s expansion into Andros and applauded Mr. Bowleg for such a significant initiative.

“The response has been really good and we are looking forward to growing the programs. Thank you so much for buying into our vision. It gives the people of Andros choices, in terms of careers,” said Dr. Robertson.

Member of Parliament and Andros native, the Honourable Carlton Bowleg (centre), who supports technical and vocational education, handed over a $5,000 cheque to President of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), Dr. Robert W. Robertson (r) to assist with programs on the island. Shown to the left is BTVI’s Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Leroy Sumner. Photo: Shantique Longley

BTVI also has programs in Grand Bahama and Abaco. Currently, there are 1,467 students enrolled at the Nassau campus, 219 in Grand Bahama and 36 in Abaco.